This summer we're trying to make the most of the beautiful weather and scenery around us.  A few days ago we strolled around Cascade Springs...and next time we'll remember to bring a leash for Max (he thought it looked more fun to try to leap into the water).

Max joined Tommy on their first Fathers and Sons campout with our ward over the weekend. I think it's the sweetest tradition, and hopefully next year Max will be big enough to actually spend the night. :)

This is what our May looked like:

a lot of dancing around to music and seeing how many layers of dress-up we can fit on...

Sydney had her first big-girl talk in primary at church. We were so excited, we knew real french braids (her first ever) were a must. :)

Sydney's favorite creature in the world is Haley. She constantly gushes to me, saying, "Look at her eyes! Oh, they're so cute" in a lovey-dovey baby voice.

Max and Sydney love their aunties, and have so much fun when Kathleen comes to play. Here she is squeezed in the back seat on a drive a couple days ago, playing "guess the animal noise" :)

Back in May I got to attend a fun photographer retreat with a dozen other ladies in Park City. At the end, we all photographed each other, and I got a few photos of me and my little belly (about 21 weeks at the time).

four of us were pregnant at the same time (me, Alison, Lindsey, and Heather)

photos by Jayme Sayes, Lindsey Stewart, Crystalyn Nilson, and Jefra Starr Linn 

We lit the first firepit of the season this week. Sydney and I have been dying to pull out the firewood and s'mores. I'm so lucky to have a buddy that gets just as giddy as me over these kinds of things. And we're lucky for Daddy who can whip together a fire in minutes. 

Tommy gave us all the rundown on how to build a fire (sorry, Girls Camp leaders, I forgot all of my training). But I was too excited to pay attention as I snapped a hundred photos.

the pinewood smelled SO good! 

while we roasted our marshmallows, Max preferred sneaking them straight out of the bag

first s'more of the night

Max wasn't so sure about this sticky mess. This same s'more stuck in his hand for over an hour

We all went to bed smelling like pinewood and burnt marshmallows. Mmmm...

Yesterday was Sydney's last day at her 3-yr-old preschool class. She keeps asking when she gets to go back and I have to remind her we have to wait until the leaves start falling (she's obsessed with seasons and weather, so that's how we explain events and time change). :) She loved her preschool class and teachers this year - we're both going to miss it!

Her last day included a "Teddy Bear Picnic". She brought her favorite bear Tommy got her for Valentine's day when she was two.

I'll miss seeing those tiny little legs running into class with her big school bag :)

I walked into our closet this morning and it hit me - this pretty much sums up me and Tommy. He's neat, organized, and precise. And I'm complicated, colorful, and a bit of a mess.

BBQ's, chocolate ice cream, cousins, and flips with Grandpa. Life is good.

oh, this melts my heart! I hope they can always stay close friends.

if only we could all have Grandpa's unending energy!

flips!